Wikipedia in Education

3 things I  learned
1. I learned that the  articles that are on wikipedia are constantly reviewed.
2. There is more current information represented in these articles beecause they are always being edited.
3.  Readers can review the history of the page as well as the changes that have been made to the page.

2 things that surprised me.
1.I did  not know that there was such intense discouragement against wikipedia.
2. There are tutorials that teach the editors the format, structure and style of wikipedia.

1 question I  have.

1. Why aren't teachers using this source in the classroom in a way that can be beneficial to the students.

Related resource- This site gives tips on how to use wikipedia in the classroom.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/wikipedia-in-the-classroom-tips-for-effective-use/

Referances-

Crovitz, D., & Smoot, W. S. (2009). Wikipedia:friend, not foe. English Journal, 98(3), 91-97. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/archival/EnglishJournalArticle2.pdf

Orlando, J. (2010). Wikipedia in the classroom: Tips for effective use. Faculty Focus, Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/wikipedia-in-the-classroom-tips-for-effective-use/

Using Technology in Education to Aid Students with Learning Disabilities

What I Learned-
I learned that technology can be beneficial to students with learning disabilities. I also learned that dyslexia is a learning disability that affects rythm, meter, and word retrieval.I was also was  not aware that teachers were not trained to work with chldren with dyslexia in the 1950's.

Two ways to use technology to support children with learning differences-
By allowing students to type their assignments and use spell check they will be able to complete their assignment without as many problems because they will not be focused on the spelling mistakes they are making.
By using text reading systems students that have difficulty reading or are auditorial learners will be able to  listen to texts or information that needs to be presented to them for an assignment.

Resource- http://www.teachervision.fen.com/assistive-technology/teaching-methods/3791.html

Referances-

Behrmann, M. M. (1995). Assistive technology for students with mild disabilities. The ERIC clearinghouse on disabilities and gifted education, 529, Retrieved from http://www.teachervision.fen.com/assistive-technology/teaching-methods/3791.html

Jendron, J. (2011, October 14). Assistive technology and learning disabilities. South Carolina Assistive Technology Program , Retrieved from  http://www.sc.edu/scatp/ld.htm

Schultz, P. (2011, September 03). Words failed, then saved me. The new york times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/opinion/sunday/with-dyslexia-words-failed-me-and-then-saved-me.html?_r=1

Website Evaluation

Website-The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus
Who-There is not a clearly stated author for this website but, it is associated with the Wild Haggis Conservation Society of Kelvinic University.
What-The information is biased because a conservation society is presenting this information which is about conserving a species that is not technically extinct. There is also a link to pictures of  the "actual" species and a picture that is a hoax. The language that is used is persuasive and is trying to bribe the reader for their support.
When- There is not a date of publication on this web page.
Where- http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/
Domain Name- Zapatopi
net- indicates that anyone could have made this web site
Why- This information is easier to obtain online but, this information cannot be verified and is most likely false.
How- The author of this source is not listed and it would be difficult to verify this information.

The Internet and Social Behavior

Quote- "Despite early studies suggesting that internet use leads to anti-social behavior, later findings indicate positive aspects of engaging in online socializing."
Response- I am not surprised that the internet has a positive affect on socialization. By using social media people can interact with people everywhere and at any time. People that are already social are probably more likely to use this form of socialization. Social media could be considerd as a tool to enhance socialization among people and would therefore encourage interaction between people.
Social media has many postitive aspects which include being able to stay connected to others, as well enableing communication with people that live far away.This form of communication in popular in our society because it is simple, fast and an effective way to be connected to the rest of the world.
Realted Resource- This website elaborates on the positves of social networking
http://networkconference.netstudies.org/2010/04/a-social-society-the-positive-effects-of-communicating-through-social-networking-sites/
Referances-

Owen, L. (2009, April 23). Internet and anti-social theory unfounded [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://laura-owens.suite101.com/internet--anti-social-behavior-theory-unfounded-a111897

Wheeldon, E. (2010, April 25). A social society:the positive effects of communicating through social networking sites [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://networkconference.netstudies.org/2010/04/a-social-society-the-positive-effects-of-communicating-through-social-networking-sites/

Japanese/American Math Scores

Quote-"We must teach communication comprehensively, in all its forms. Today we work with the written or spoken word as the primary form of communication. But we also need to understand the importance of graphics, music, and cinema, which are just as powerful and in some ways more deeply intertwined with young people's culture. We live and work in a visually sophisticated world, so we must be sophisticated in using all the forms of communication, not just the written word."-George Lucas

Responce-I agree. I think that these forms of communicatioin will get the students attention therefore getting them interested in their education. These forms of communication are also more appealing to other audinces as well.Acess to these forms of communication is easily obtained so there should not be an issue for educators to obtain these resources.
It is important for educators to undersatand that the world is changing and education needs to evolve simultaneously with the rest of the world. Students can not fall behind and ignore the advances in the world because it will affect them in every part of their lives and not just their education.
Related Resources- This site gives the definition of visual literacy as well as examples. It also provides e-books that promote visual literacy for elementary students.

Referances-
Black Cockatoo Publishing . (2008). Visual literacy k-8. Retrieved from http://k-8visual.info/

Daly, J. (n.d.). Life on the screen: visual liteacy in education. Eutopia, Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/lucas-visual-literacy

Voki Lesson Plan

http://l-www.voki.com/open_pdf.php?file=Dissecting Columbus Day _5th Grade History_.pdf